Today in big stories with few credible sources: the casting wish list for the film adaptation of the hit musical Wicked. British newspapers The Sun and The Guardian have both released stories featuring quotes from unverified sources that suggest Lea Michele is the ideal choice for the young "Wicked Witch" Elphaba, and One Direction's Harry Styles would play her boyfriend Fiyero.
Harry Styles is a big name with obvious vocal chops, but it's interesting that Fiyero's casting has drawn so much attention. Musical fans will disagree with us, but audiences go to Wicked to see Elphaba and Glinda (the Good Witch).
It's tough to disagree with the logic behind casting Michele however. Fans of the show Glee were already thrilled with her performance of the play's headline number, "Defying Gravity," on the show. More importantly, Idina Menzel was cast as the mother of Michele's character, due to both similar appearances and the fact that both are powerhouse vocalists. Menzel has gathered acclaim across a number of Broadway roles, but her role as the original Elphaba cemented her status as a Broadway icon.
There's nothing official regarding a Wicked movie yet, but the recent success of Frozen and its soundtrack (both featuring Menzel) should inspire a new wave of singalong performances and musical productions from Hollywood.
Other "ideal" actors have been chosen by Whatsonstage.com. Glinda, most famously played by Kristen Chenoweth, is recommended to Amy Adams. Somewhat odd, considering the age difference between herself and her character. Might as well cast Menzel as Elphaba if you're going to play it that way.
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